Steps for a Complete Tummy Tuck:

There are five steps in a complete tummy tuck:

i. The surgeon cuts from hip to hip, just above the pubic area.
ii. The navel is freed from the surrounding skin with another cut.
iii. The skin is detached from the abdominal wall. The muscles beneath are tightened with sutures.
iv. The skin flap that was taken off the muscle, is now reattached. Any extra skin is removed and a new hole is cut for the navel.
v. Stitches are dressed and excess fluid is drained.

A partial abdominoplasty is another option if your fat is mainly in the lower part of your abdomen. In this procedure the navel is left intact. It is also a much faster operation.

Will a Tummy Tuck work for you?

The best candidates for adominoplasty are people in good shape, but with a fat deposit or loose skin that cannot be shifted by diet or exercise. Many mothers also benefit from the tightening of their stretched abdominal muscles.

Patients should be aware that permanent scarring will follow the operation, and should therefore be fully mentally prepared for this. Patients who may lose a lot of weight in the future should avoid the surgery, as should women who may at some point become pregnant.